Punjab Announces Mandatory Requirement for School Transport

The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered a province-wide crackdown on smoke-emitting Heavy Transport Vehicles used by schools, colleges, hospitals, and industrial facilities.

The agency has directed all institutions to get their buses, vans, coasters, and other HTVs inspected and certified for emissions as part of the government’s anti-smog campaign.

The EPA said poorly maintained vehicles are a major contributor to winter smog and violate Section 15 of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, which prohibits operating vehicles that exceed emission or noise limits.

All HTVs must now be inspected through the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System run by the Transport Department, and only compliant vehicles will be cleared for operation.

The agency warned that non-compliant vehicles will face strict action, including fines and possible impoundment under the Punjab Environmental Protection (Motor Vehicles) Rules 2013. Police may also be asked to assist in seizing vehicles that continue to operate despite warnings.

The Excise and Taxation Department has been instructed to share registration data of institutional HTVs with district environment officers to support enforcement. EPA field teams will inspect vehicles, issue direction slips, and impound those that fail to meet standards, with weekly compliance reports sent to the Director General.